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miscanthus grass care

Miscanthus grass, with its tall, graceful plumes and easy-growing habit, is a favourite in New Zealand gardens. Whether you’re growing classic [Miscanthus sinensis](/shop/product/grasses/miscanthus-sinensis) or more unique forms like [Miscanthus Gracillimus](/shop/product/grasses/miscanthus-gracillimus) and [Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'](/shop/product/grasses/miscanthus-zebrinus), taking good care of your miscanthus grass will reward you with eye-catching statements year-round. This guide covers everything you need to know about miscanthus grass care, from planting tips to seasonal maintenance.

Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.

Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green leaves that have minute, sharp teeth along the margins. The foliage is complemented with green flowers in summer, which age to brown as it grows to 1.5 metres high and the same width.

From $17.25

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.

Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It typically grows to 60 cm in height and 50 cm in width, preferring a full sun or partial shade position on a well-drained site.

From $9.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Carex buchananii, commonly known as Leatherleaf Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass-like plant with delicate, upright, copper-bronze...

From$11.50
Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$19.25
Lomandra Little Pal plants with lush green foliage.
Lomandra Little Pal

Lomandra Little Pal is a compact ornamental grass grown for its fine, green-yellow foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to approximately 60 cm in...

From$19.25
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$20.63
Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately...

From$17.87
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
Carex dipsacea plants as a mass planting in a garden.
Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)

Carex dipsacea is a fine-leaved, clump-forming sedge native to New Zealand. It features slender, green to bronze-tinted foliage and grows to...

From$12.95
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.
Chrysopogon zizanioides

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver Grass) is a hardy, evergreen clump forming grass renowned for its deep root system, attractive upright foliage, and...

From$20.63
Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.
Lomandra Nyalla

Lomandra Nyalla is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in...

From$19.25
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$12.95
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.
Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.84
Lomandra Little Lime in a garden with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Little Lime

Lomandra Little Lime is a compact ornamental grass known for its vibrant lime-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 50 cm in height...

From$21.39
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$19.25
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$17.87
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$19.95
A stunning Amenity Ryegrass lawn.
Amenity Ryegrass Seed (Lawn Seed)

Rye Grass Seed lawns are quick to establish and features dark green leaves year-round. Our Amenity Rye Grass is a popular turf variety that is...

From$16.95
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$17.87
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Cyperus, and Ficinia, or related Categories - Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search miscanthus grass care

Choosing the Right Miscanthus

Before you get started, decide what type of miscanthus suits your garden best. The versatile Miscanthus sinensis offers beautiful arching leaves, while variegated options such as Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' add stripes of creamy white for extra visual interest. For striking horizontal bands, Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' is a top choice, while Miscanthus 'Morning Light' features slender, elegant foliage. All of these cultivars thrive in New Zealand climates with the proper care.

Planting and Location

Miscanthus grass prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. To get the best results, choose a spot with well-drained soil—soggy conditions can cause root rot. Enrich the planting area with organic compost, which supports healthy root growth and boosts resilience in dry spells. Space plants according to the variety’s mature size; smaller cultivars need at least 60cm between each plant, while larger types like Miscanthus Gracillimus may need up to a metre.

Watering and Feeding

Once established, miscanthus is fairly drought-tolerant. However, regular watering during hot, dry spells will keep foliage lush and plumes upright. Aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems. In spring, a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser scattered around the base of each clump boosts growth for the season ahead. Avoid heavy feeding, as this can make stems floppy.

Seasonal Maintenance and Pruning

Miscanthus grass care involves some seasonal maintenance, but it's not demanding. In late winter or early spring, cut back old growth to about 10-20cm from the base before new shoots appear. Use sharp shears or garden loppers, and wear gloves, as older stalks can be sharp. Mulch around the base in spring to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Every few years, large clumps may benefit from division to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding.

Pest, Disease, and Winter Care

Miscanthus is typically pest-free and rarely bothered by disease, making it an ideal low-maintenance ornamental. In New Zealand’s milder climates, it overwinters well. Simply leave dry flower heads standing for winter interest and to provide shelter for wildlife, then prune in spring as normal.

Bring Texture and Movement to Your Garden

With just a bit of consistent miscanthus grass care, these elegant ornamental grasses add year-round structure, texture, and graceful movement to your landscape. Explore our full selection, including Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', Miscanthus Gracillimus, Miscanthus 'Zebrinus', and Miscanthus 'Morning Light', to find the perfect variety for your garden. Happy growing!

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Everyone knows classic varieties like Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa, but you might just fall in love with Camellia With Love, Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', and Sophora fulvida.
–The Plant Company

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